Frenkie de Jong isn't the only Barcelona player Man Utd want, they're 'confident' of agreeing deal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is 'confident' the club can agree a deal for Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest.
Ten Hag is keen to bolster his squad after a disappointing start to the campaign, with United losing their first two Premier League games.
They've have signed three players so far and are continuing to negotiate with Barcelona over a deal for midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
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The 25-year-old is his top target and there's been interest for over three months. Spanish publication Sport claims the Red Devils have interest in another Blaugrana star too.
Dest has fallen down the pecking order under Xavi and Barcelona are currently looking for a new right-back.
Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund is top of their wish list and it's thought he'd be willing to move.
Since joining from Ajax in 2020, Dest has failed to establish himself in the first-team and last season lost his place to the returning Dani Alves.
The Catalan giants would likely want a fee of around £17 million for Dest, or potentially a loan deal.
United are keen to move Aaron Wan-Bissaka on, although finding a buyer is proving to be difficult.
United's pursuit of de Jong is likely to down to the final day and he started Barcelona's clash with Rayo Vallecano on the bench on Saturday.
His game time in pre-season was limited and when he did play, it was at centre back rather than central midfield.
Fellow countryman Rafael van der Vaart slammed Barcelona's treatment of the Netherlands international and had harsh words for president Joan Laporta.
He vented on Dutch TV: "How on earth can you buy players when you have no money? I find it a disgrace. And Laporta who keeps laughing everywhere with his big head. This man thinks he's the king. But I think he's a bit of an idiot.
"You can't treat people like this. Frenkie earns too much? You sign a contract and then you fulfill the contract or leave on good terms, but not like this.
"This is mafia and they have to get punished. Barca's name on the map has become really bad. It's a great club and everyone wants to play there.
"But as of now we judge it differently and I find it a disgrace when you play for them."
Topics: Frenkie De Jong, FC Barcelona, Man Utd
Daniel Marland